Editor’s Choice
DAYLIGHT LEADS
IN LEEDS COLLEGE
The new campus for Leeds College of Building was designed by architects Fuse
Studios as the result of winning a major design competition. Using its skills to
seamlessly integrate architecture and interiors, Fuse has fulfilled the College’s
brief to promote the use of modern materials and construction methods, so the
new project becomes an educational demonstration in its own right, as well
as supporting BREEAM excellence. Materials specified included the diffused
daylighting Kalwall cladding and roofing system.
Consistent with the winning design was a desire for internal transparency
between all areas and a naturally-lit teaching environment which would not
generate excessive solar heat gains. At the same time, it was recognised that too
much glazing could distract the students, so the solution was to use translucent
Kalwall.
Derek Whitehead, Deputy Principal, Leeds College of Building, comments
“We’re really pleased we went with the Kalwall solution for this project. The
extra daylight really enhances the space and makes it very airy, light and
bright. This has the benefits of not only reducing our energy consumption on
one hand but, more importantly, creates a pleasant ambient light which enhances
the health and well-being of our students and staff.”
Widely specified for educational projects and unlike conventional glazing, this
system limits external views while admitting high levels of diffused daylight
without shadows and glare or the stark contrasts of light and shade. Even on
cloudy days, the interior is flooded with natural daylight, which means less
artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are
reduced.
Kalwall is distributed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by Structura UK,
a leading supplier, fabricator and installer of glass curtain walling, rainscreens,
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glass atria, windows and other
architectural glass building products.
The company has had all three of its
ISO certifications successfully renewed
for three years: OHSAS 18001 Health
and Safety Management, ISO 14001
Environmental Management certification and ISO 9001 Quality Management
certification.
Case studies and technical information are available
from Structura UK Ltd
Tel: 01233 501 504
Or visit www.structura-uk.com/kalwall